Netanyahu urges U.N. peacekeepers to withdraw as Lebanon conflict intensifies

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately, accusing them of unintentionally shielding Hezbollah fighters. Netanyahu’s plea comes after multiple Israeli airstrikes near areas where U.N. peacekeepers and first responders have been operating, including incidents where five peacekeepers were injured.

In a video message directed to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, Netanyahu emphasized the urgency of removing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from harm’s way. “We regret the injury to the UNIFIL soldiers and we are doing everything in our power to prevent this injury. But the simple and obvious way to ensure this is simply to get them out of the danger zone,” Netanyahu stated. He urged Guterres to act swiftly, saying, “Mr. Secretary-General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way. It should be done right now, immediately.”

Israel has accused Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, of using U.N. peacekeepers as cover, claiming they operate close to peacekeeping sites and use ambulances to transport fighters and weapons—allegations yet to be substantiated with clear evidence. The Lebanese Red Cross reported that a recent Israeli airstrike injured paramedics during a rescue mission coordinated with U.N. peacekeepers. Despite coordination, Israel has not commented on these specific incidents.

The conflict, which began after Hamas attacked Israel, has seen Hezbollah launch rockets into Israel since October 8, 2023, in support of Hamas. Israel responded with intensified airstrikes, killing thousands in Lebanon, including many Hezbollah members, and launching a ground offensive into southern Lebanon earlier this month.

The situation remains volatile, with over 2,200 people killed in Lebanon, while at least 54 people, including Israeli soldiers, have died from Hezbollah rocket attacks.